Best Buy offers, withdraws, $129 GeForce-4

End-of-the-world sale

By Thomas C Greene in Washington DC • Get more from this author

Posted in Business, 11th February 2002 10:33 GMT

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Approximately 1,400 on-line buyers have been disappointed to learn that the $129 GeForce-4 they ordered from Best Buy will not be delivered, a number of Reg readers tell us.

The absurdly low price, Best Buy says, was the result of a "systems error" which has since been corrected. The current price listed is a more plausible $399.

However, several frustrated buyers tell us that Best Buy actually touted the lowball price as a "$200 savings," which sounds a lot more like "human error" than a "systems error" to us.

For the moment, Best Buy is refusing to pay for its mistake. Whether the company ends up doing so depends on how vocal their disappointed customers become, and how popular their story becomes in the press. Of course The Register is delighted to do its part in promoting corporate accountability. ®

Herewith Best Buy's patronizing and probably misleading e-mail to the frustrated:

Dear Best Buy Customer,
Thank you for your recent graphics card order.

A recent systems error on our web site allowed you to purchase the VisionTek GeForce4 Ti 4600 Graphics Card at $129.99. The actual price for this item is $399.99. Due to the nature of this error, we have canceled your order for this item. We apologize for any disappointment this cancellation may cause.

We would like to inform you that the error has been fixed, and if you are still interested in ordering this product, please visit www.bestbuy.com/ComputersPeripherals/details.asp?e=11099619&m=488&cat=521&scat=522 to place your order again. This card is available as a special pre-order. It will begin shipping on 3/4/2002.

Thank you for your understanding. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Best wishes from Best Buy,
The Customer Care Team